Posts Tagged ‘NFC North’

I can certainly understand the impulse to crow about Tarvaris Jackson. Brother Andy has been wrong with so many of his previous mancrushes that it must be really exciting to finally have hit on someone who doesn’t completely suck.

But let’s not get carried away. T-Jack has had a couple of decent games. Nothing outstanding, but not bad, either. But two games does not a career make. And you’re right, he is protected by one of the best offensive lines in the NFL and has what must be considered the most dangerous running game in the league right now. So defenses have to game-plan to stop Adrian Peterson (i.e. put 34 in the box) and they’re willing to let T-Jack take his shots. Add to all of that the quality of the Minnesota defense/special teams and the fact that those units are sometimes outscoring the offense, and it seems obvious that it’s way too early to be talking Jackson as a quality, long-term NFL quarterback.

I do, however, agree with your broader point: The Vikings have the makings of a very good team. I think their two young WRs that can catch the ball (a group that obviously doesn’t include Troy Williamson) will be dangerous. Sidney Rice has flashed over the course of the year and Aundrae Allison showed his natural abilities on the 103-yard kickoff return on Sunday. Oh yeah, and Adrian Peterson.

Still, it’s hard not to like the Packers as the dominant team in the NFC North for several years. We are, after all, the youngest team in the NFL — a distinction we somehow have managed to earn two years in a row despite the presence of Brett Favre and Rob Davis on the roster.

One clarification: I never criticized you for your man-crushes, I mocked you.